Military Motorcycle Deaths On The Rise
By: Pete Crusoe
In July of 2007, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) published the Traffic Safety Annual Assessment and there was no good news for motorcyclists. The report showed that motorcycle fatalities have increased for 9 straight years and stated that motorcycle deaths “now account for 11 percent of total fatalities, exceeding the number of pedestrian fatalities for the first time”.
Unfortunately, the U.S military has not been immune from this trend. The Marine Corps has seen motorcycle accident fatalities go up from 7 in (fiscal year) 2004 to 19 in 2007. This is the highest number recorded since the Corps began keeping these kinds of records 10 years ago. The U.S. Army has also seen their numbers increase from 22 in 2004 to 40 in 2006.
The Marine Corps Times recently reported that the Corps is “looking toward providing “more robust” motorcycle training in the mandatory riding course Marines must take before registering a motorcycle on base and possibly establishing “riding clubs” at every base and station to promote leadership and safety”.
The Defense Department already requires military installations to teach Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum. However, the Marine Corps wants to expand on this and hopes to start teaching advance courses.
Currently the Marine Corps has a pilot program that mandates membership in riding clubs. The goal is to promote dialog and information exchange between newer and more experienced riders. The Corps acknowledges that many of the older riders will out rank the less seasoned riders, but they don’t believe this will be an issue and feel the views and experiences of the seasoned riders will be welcomed. If successful, this program may be implemented Corps-wide.
The Army has also been working on motorcycle safety initiatives. In addition to requiring completion of the MSF course, personnel are required to wear proper personal protective equipment when riding on military installations. The Army Chief of Staff now requires all Army units use the “Six Point Program”. This program instills and reinforces safety and provides guidance for identifying and correcting unsafe actions. The Army also publishes a rider’s information and safety manual.
However, the story doesn’t end there; all across the country, military personnel are volunteering their time to help. Many have used their free time to organize events and teach classes to newer riders.
In recent weeks there have been countless articles published across the nation highlighting safety initiatives organized and led by members of the military. For example, in Fort Bliss, Texas, soldiers in the 402nd Field Artillery Brigade are offering motorcycle safety classes and in Richmond, Virginia, more than 400 military bikers staged a ride through downtown Richmond to promote motorcycle safety. These initiatives have benefited both military and civilian riders alike.
In stark contrast to proposed “civilian” laws, programs, and research aimed at protecting motorcyclists, that usually stall in legislative debate or are tabled due to lack of funding – the military leadership has taken a swift and proactive approach in training and protecting service members from this negative trend. In addition, many individual service members have also heeded the call and are volunteering their time to promote safety and help fellow riders stay safe. Bravo.
Related Link:
US Army Motorcycle Mentorship Program
Sources:
ELPaso Times Article
NHTSA PDF File
US Army Combat Readiness Safety Center
Navy Safety Center
Richmond.Com Article
